Lorena Roberts

Lorena graduated from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville last December with a BA in Honors Psychology. After some serious soul-searching, she's decided to pursue a Master's in teaching in order to teach middle school math!
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her Whippet mix, Gio, at the dog park and binge watching Netflix with endless cups of Hot Cocoa.

I would never post pictures of your friends intoxicated. They probably don't want their mom's friends to see that. Also, I think it's completely inappropriate for pictures to be posted with outfits that are skanky. No one wants to see your goodies.

Location, faculty, finances, and living arrangements. I know location is first and foremost my number one concern. Then research with faculty, what the financial package looks like, and where I'll be living.

Accountability partner -- that's what it's all about. Or set reminders in your phone for two or three weeks out to keep yourself on track. Put sticky note messages on your mirror... whatever you have to do to keep your head in the game!

I am in the same situation. I think it's okay to have your mom tag along -- but I wouldn't bring her with you to any of the socials/events and definitely not the interview. Having her stay in the hotel room or find things to do on her own will... (more)

I am in the same situation. I think it's okay to have your mom tag along -- but I wouldn't bring her with you to any of the socials/events and definitely not the interview. Having her stay in the hotel room or find things to do on her own will give you security that she's with you, but she won't be velcro-ed to your side. Plus -- maybe she'll pay for your hotel!

Remember that it's the thought that counts and don't pressure yourself to buy big gifts for everyone in your life. Send sweet, handwritten notes with each small gift and it'll seem much more thoughtful and it'll mean so much more.

I remember struggling with this -- I really had to feel my parents out. Did they expect me to call and check in when I went out with friends? Did I have a curfew? I guess it's really up to your parents. They may expect you to act like you did when... (more)

I remember struggling with this -- I really had to feel my parents out. Did they expect me to call and check in when I went out with friends? Did I have a curfew? I guess it's really up to your parents. They may expect you to act like you did when you were in high school. But maybe they're willing to be a bit more lenient now. Talk to them about it.

As soon as I got my own apartment, I rescued a dog from the local "kill-shelter." My biggest challenge is making sure I make time for him throughout the day. I used to take him to the dog park everyday for a few hours -- it was a big commitment.... (more)

As soon as I got my own apartment, I rescued a dog from the local "kill-shelter." My biggest challenge is making sure I make time for him throughout the day. I used to take him to the dog park everyday for a few hours -- it was a big commitment. But lately, he's calmed down and as long as I'm with him for a few hours and at night, I tell myself he's living a happier life than when he was in the shelter.

This is so tough -- I understand where you're at. It's okay to not really know what the next step is. I think a perfectly acceptable answer is "I'm still waiting for a good opportunity. I have a few months to figure things out."

I like to go to the gym during low-peak times. Planet Fitness is open 24/7, so if you want to really avoid insecurities at the gym go in the middle of the night or early in the morning. The less people that are there, the less you'll feel like you're being stared at!

Whenever I go to the salon, they always strip out all of the conditioner build up for me. They usually tell me if it's bad, and I'll switch shampoo/conditioner. Pantene and Tresseme tend to leave residue on your hair. You're better off paying the... (more)

Whenever I go to the salon, they always strip out all of the conditioner build up for me. They usually tell me if it's bad, and I'll switch shampoo/conditioner. Pantene and Tresseme tend to leave residue on your hair. You're better off paying the higher price for shampoo and conditioner from a salon.
To keep your hair from being poofy, look for a good hair product that works with the styles you want! Leave-in conditioners for curly hair, or hair masks for straight styles are usually good for me! Ask your stylist! They'll know what to suggest.

I drink one cup of coffee every morning. Sometimes I don't even finish it. But I enjoy having a warm drink when I first wake up. I try to limit my caffeine for the rest of the day, but I love sweet tea so much that I end up drinking more than I should!

WOW. I've finally found someone who has the same problem I do! I really struggle with this. I have to give myself little tasks that will keep me busy without overwhelming me. For instance, I'll start doing research online on simple things that I'm... (more)

WOW. I've finally found someone who has the same problem I do! I really struggle with this. I have to give myself little tasks that will keep me busy without overwhelming me. For instance, I'll start doing research online on simple things that I'm interested in. I still feel productive, but I'm enjoying it instead of stressing to work my butt off for a good grade.

I always enjoy sitting at local coffee shops doing research. I'm such a nerd! But I find that if I get into reading things that are interesting to me in an environment I'm not usually in, it's much more enjoyable. Spend your winter break doing what makes you happy. Take time to relax.

The more time you spend away from your parents house, the more likely it is that you'll want to have your own life and limit your time at home with your parents. After my freshman year, I went through all of my belongings at my parents house,... (more)

The more time you spend away from your parents house, the more likely it is that you'll want to have your own life and limit your time at home with your parents. After my freshman year, I went through all of my belongings at my parents house, threw out what I didn't want, and packed what I did want. My parents turned my bedroom into an office and now when I'm home I sleep in the guest room. I recommend moving out whenever you're comfortable. But don't be one of those students who's still going home for summer after graduation... that's awkward.

I'm a pro at keeping my heating bills low because instead of running the heat at 75 degrees, I keep my apartment at 61 and wear a sweatshirt and fuzzy socks at all times. For poor college students, keeping warm clothes handy is much better than paying a high heating bill.

My advice is to take a practice test first. See where you are. What do you need to get to be considered for the program you're entering? From my experience, paying for a GRE prep course is worth it in the long run if you're far away from your... (more)

My advice is to take a practice test first. See where you are. What do you need to get to be considered for the program you're entering? From my experience, paying for a GRE prep course is worth it in the long run if you're far away from your target score. If you only need to improve a few points, study on your own.